Oscar Piastri Conquers F1 in Epic Style!

After 35 intense races, Oscar Piastri snags his first Formula 1 GP win, showcasing his signature style. The 23-year-old Aussie with Italian blood stayed ice-cool as his childhood dream became reality.

The natural heir to Kimi Räikkönen’s 'Ice Man' throne, Oscar made a blistering start from the second grid spot, taking the lead from teammate and pole-sitter Lando Norris and a relentless Max Verstappen.

On a track notoriously tough for overtaking, McLaren's strategy delivered Piastri’s first victory and a McLaren one-two that hasn’t been seen since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

“It’s a very special day. I’ve dreamed of standing on the top step of an F1 podium since I was a kid,” Piastri confessed. “The end was a bit complicated, but I put myself in the right position at the start. Thanks to the team for an amazing effort and an amazing car. Racing with McLaren is a blast, and I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity. Winning together after just 18 months is incredible.”

The MCL38 was the fastest car out there. “The progress has been incredible. On such a physical and challenging track, we had everything under control. The car is a beast right now; it's fast in every condition. It’s an amazing feeling to manage the race like that with both cars and secure a one-two. I don’t know when our last one-two was, but it was a long time ago. So I’m incredibly happy for the whole team and thrilled to get my first win on the board.”

The team orders seemed chaotic from the outside, but Piastri clarified, “I was a bit nervous in the last laps, but I completely trusted the team and Lando. Looking back, the coordination was well executed. I think it was the right call because I put myself in the right position at the start. I’m only sorry my pace wasn’t as quick as I’d have liked in the last stint, but I was still in the right position to make it happen.”

The tension with Norris, who was leading the race, could have overshadowed McLaren’s perfect day. The Brit played his cards but ultimately followed team orders, saying, “It’s an amazing day for us as a team. That’s the main thing. I’m so happy. It’s been a long journey to achieve this on merit, and we did it in style. Great job by the team and, of course, to Oscar. He had a good start, got me off the line, and controlled the race well. He deserved it here in Budapest.”

This stellar result, coupled with Max Verstappen finishing 5th and Sergio Perez 7th, reduces McLaren’s gap from the lead to -51 from Red Bull, jumping into second place with 338 points, ahead of Ferrari with 322 points and Mercedes in P4 with 241 points.

Second in the drivers’ standings, 76 points behind the unstoppable Max Verstappen, Norris still believes in the championship: “I definitely believe in the constructors’ championship.

McLaren has two great drivers and an amazing team. We will fight for it. It’s still a long way to go, and Spa can be a different story, but one thing is certain: we'll keep pushing and try to do more of the same.”

Now, alongside Norris, who enjoyed his first F1 win this season, stands the pure talent of Oscar Piastri. Riding high on his Budapest success, he's ready to ascend to the next level.

Rookie of the Year in 2023 and Driver of the Day at the Hungarian GP, the Australian has a bright future ahead. “I’m learning every race. I hope there are many more victories to come.”

Piastri will be under the spotlight in Spa, a tough old-school track with varying downforce levels. “I’m not worried. This year we’ve proven we can be quick on any circuit, in any condition. We're always at the front. Spa hasn’t been the happiest hunting ground for us recently, but I’m confident we’ll be strong. We’ve got a car that’s become a real all-rounder, so I’m super confident, and the rest of the team should be too.”

McLaren has emerged as the second force on merit, and Spa will be another chance to confirm the incredible progress of the papaya team.